Claremore Volleyball Team Shines in Summer League Showdown

The Claremore volleyball squad showcased their depth and talent during the second week of the summer league, securing victories in every match at the Doug K. Mosier Athletic Complex. This summer league provides an opportunity for young athletes to demonstrate their abilities and gain valuable experience ahead of the fall season.

Among the standout performers was Grace Baughman, who excelled in her role as a setter/right-side player. Although her primary responsibility is to facilitate the offense, Baughman emerged as a significant attacking threat. "She's just more efficient," said Claremore coach Derek Jackson. "She's done a good job of some technical things... She's a bigger threat due to the fact that she's scoring." In Claremore's final match of the day, a decisive 42-14 win over Sapulpa's junior varsity team, Baughman recorded 7 kills and an ace, effectively ending rallies with precision.

Other notable contributions included Tayvn Smith, with 6 kills and a block assist, and Madison Berger, who added 4 kills. Megan Mosley and Alivia Payne each brought in 2 aces, while Kinley Gean made her mark with a block and a block assist. Coach Jackson observed a marked improvement from the previous week, emphasizing the team's enhanced start to matches, which helped them avoid falling behind early.

Berger's performance continues to strengthen her candidacy for a more prominent role in the fall lineup. Having played at the junior varsity level last year, she has gained valuable experience and showcased her versatility during the summer league. "I think it got her more ready for this," Jackson noted, highlighting her potential to fill the void left by graduated player Faith Caffey.

The coaching staff's effective management played a crucial role in the team's development. Assistant coach Angela Stevenson took on a significant leadership role during the matches, allowing for greater individualized attention for players. "It’s exciting to see our kids get more coaching," Jackson remarked, reflecting on the benefits of a supportive coaching team. As the Lady Zebras continue to build their roster and evaluate talent, their growth this summer is setting the stage for a promising regular season.